For the most part, Florida's freshwater fishes are considered safe to eat. Fish consumption advisories are issued by the Florida Department of Health (DOH) in cooperation with the FWC and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to assist anglers in making informed choices on selecting fish to eat from Florida waters.

The most common fish consumption advisory in Florida is for mercury; however, waterbody-specific health advisories have been issued for pesticides, dioxins, and saxitoxins. Visit The Florida Department of Health's Seafood Consumption website to view all advisories and the most recent updates. The DOH can also be contacted through regular mail or by telephone:

Consumption advice about commercially caught fish sold in supermarkets and restaurants can be found in the joint Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) online publication, Joint Federal Advisory for Mercury in Fish. Advisories from other states and tribal agencies are also available online. Joint Federal Advisory for Mercury in Fish: www.epa.gov/waterscience/fishadvice/advice.html

In addition, the EPA has recommended guidelines for handling lead, such as in lead sinkers.

FWC Facts:White-tailed deer are the most important game species in Florida.